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| yna@yna.co.kr 2025-07-02 08:19:34
SEOUL, July 2 (Yonhap) -- South Korean actor Lee Jong-suk described his new tvN weekend drama “Law and the City (Seochodong)” as a story not of life and death, but of daily survival and relatable struggles.
“Most courtroom dramas are about fighting evil and achieving justice. But our drama isn’t about those life-or-death stakes. It’s about the everyday struggle to make a living,” Lee said during a press conference held Tuesday at The Link Hotel in Seoul’s Guro District.
Marking his return to the small screen after three years, Lee cited the show’s comforting and realistic tone as the primary reason for choosing the role. Known for his roles in intense dramas such as “Big Mouth” and “I Can Hear Your Voice,” Lee said he wanted to explore a genre he had not often tackled.
The series centers on the daily lives of five associate lawyers working in the bustling legal district of Seoul. Lee plays Ahn Joo-hyung, a ninth-year attorney, while actress Moon Ga-young portrays rookie lawyer Kang Hee-ji. The cast also includes Kang You-seok as Cho Chang-won, Ryu Hye-young as Bae Moon-jung, and Lim Sung-jae as Ha Sang-gi — colleagues who share meals and life stories despite working at different law firms within the same building.
Notably, the drama frequently depicts the lawyers eating together — a motif that serves as both narrative glue and symbolic comfort. In the trailer, the five characters are seen enjoying a wide array of cuisines, from Korean and Chinese to Japanese, Western dishes, and desserts.
“Whether we’re sad, happy, or angry, we still have to eat,” said director Park Seung-woo. “Through those scenes, we wanted to show that these characters continue to push forward in life.”
Adding authenticity to the drama, the script was written by Lee Seung-hyun, a practicing lawyer.
Ryu Hye-young commented, “Because the writer is an actual attorney, I was able to ask a lot of detailed questions — like the appropriate tone for courtroom arguments or the atmosphere depending on the case.” Moon Ga-young also said she received guidance from the writer to better portray realistic legal work.
The press event also showcased the cast’s close-knit rapport. Lee jokingly referred to Moon — a former child actor — as “the most senior among us,” adding, “She’s got 20 years of acting experience, so I often asked her, ‘Was my acting okay?’”
Kang You-seok, who has appeared in multiple dramas this year including “Miss Night and Day” and “Resident Playbook,” joked that he aimed to become “No. 1 in the opening credits.” Lee responded with a laugh, saying, “I’ll gladly give you the spot.”
Law and the City premieres on Saturday at 9:20 p.m. on tvN.
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